About Mahalaxmi Temple
Mahalaxmi Temple is a historic Hindu temple located on Bhulabhai Desai Road in Mumbai, dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi alongside Mahakali and Mahasaraswati. Built in 1831 by merchant Dhakji Dadaji, it is one of Mumbai's most revered shrines and a key spiritual landmark. The temple houses idols recovered from the sea during the construction of the Hornby Vellard causeway. It attracts thousands of devotees daily and is especially significant during Navratri and Diwali festivals.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect darshan of the Tridevi goddesses (Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, Mahasaraswati) adorned with gold bangles, pearl necklaces, and nose rings within the sanctum sanctorum. The temple complex features traditional architecture including a silver-covered Dhwajstambh, stone Deepmala, and a sabhamandap with 27 spires. Devotees participate in daily aarti ceremonies and purchase puja items from stalls outside. The site is actively used for worship with specific closure periods for rituals like Naivedya and evening aartis.
Key highlights
- 01
Houses the Tridevi idols of Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, and Mahasaraswati recovered from the Arabian Sea
- 02
Built in 1831 by Hindu merchant Dhakji Dadaji following a divine vision during Hornby Vellard construction
- 03
Features traditional architecture with a 15-metre high Kalash and silver-covered lion in the sabhamandap
- 04
Major pilgrimage site during Sharad Navratri and Diwali Lakshmi Poojan attracting lakhs of devotees
- 05
Daily aarti schedule includes Morning Aarti, Naivedya, Dhoop Aarti, and Evening Aarti with specific darshan closures
History of Mahalaxmi Temple
Built in 1831 by Hindu merchant Dhakji Dadaji after engineer Ramji Shivaji Prabhu discovered the Tridevi idols in the Arabian Sea during the failed construction of the Hornby Vellard causeway. According to legend, Goddess Mahalakshmi appeared in Prabhu's dream instructing him to retrieve the idols, after which the bund was successfully completed. The temple has been a cornerstone of Mumbai's spiritual life for nearly two centuries.
Culture & Context
One of Mumbai's most famous temples and a major Shakti worship site dedicated to the Tridevi. It holds special significance during Navratri when grand celebrations attract lakhs of devotees, and during Diwali when worshippers seek blessings for wealth and prosperity. The temple's presence is believed to bless the surrounding affluent localities including Peddar Road, Breach Candy, and Carmichael Road.